Masonic choir helps out to tune of almost $12k

The Stroke Foundation and Life Education Trust are both better off thanks to the Midland District Masonic Mens' Choir.

And musical high school students are also benefiting financially from Freemasons' support.

The Stroke Foundation received a $3000 donation at the choir's Timaru concert recently. The money came from door sales at the concert, a $500 donation from the Midland District Charitable Trust and a $1000 donation from the Sophia St Car Park Trust.

The Life Education Trust received $3250 from their Ashburton show.

A music student from each of the two district's 11 high schools also received a $500 cheque towards their studies.

Spokesman David Darling said the Sophia Street Car Park Trust was established to organise and distribute all the donations from the public, and the payment received from the Timaru District Council for staffing the Farmers Car Park in Sophia St.

Freemasons from the 13 masonic lodges in the Midland District volunteer to staff the carpark.

This is the second year this donation has been distributed to selected organisations and musical pupils from the secondary schools.